Moving to Spain has been a popular life-changing decision amongst UK citizens for many decades going back to the 1990s and even earlier for some, with the peak of movement between the late 1990s and 2010. ‘Migration to the Med’ became a trend for very many reasons, the most obvious one being the attractiveness of the climate and lifestyle, coupled with what was a relatively cheaper cost of living. The fact remains that Spain is actually ‘home’ to the largest British population outside of the UK. With a marked increase in the number of Brits moving from the UK to Spain in the late 1990s onwards, nearly 300,000 Brit nationals were living in Spain in 2014. But that figure fell to around 260,000 in 2020 just before ‘Brexit’ was rubber-stamped, when the UK officially left the European Union. Yes, Brexit has made a difference - the matter of obtaining a Visa is now the key to the process of making a successful move from the UK to Spain.
In the 1970s, Spain was home to famous and wealthy Brits looking to enjoy a glamorous Mediterranean lifestyle. By the late 1980s, more and more were making the move to Spain, the beautiful country with wonderful cities, marvellous beaches on the Costa Del Sol, and a very affordable, healthy, and glamorous lifestyle. Many of the migrants were British people looking to retire in the sun. Of course, the transition was made easy by the fact that the UK had been a member of the European Community since 1973, so any admin required was minimal. Visa rules have changed since Brexit saw Great Britain officially withdraw from the EU at the beginning of 2021.
The Spain Seeker’s Strategy
Now, there is a limit to the visa-free stay in Spain, like all countries still in the European Union, which is capped at 90 days within a 180-day period. For extended stays or residency, visas are necessary, each with its own specific requirements. In a nutshell, UK citizens have essential visa requirements if they want to stay in Spain beyond 90 days, as well as having to prove financial stability and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Even though the official rules and protocol have changed, moving to Spain remains an attractive proposition to Brits for the same reasons as it always had, not least the fact that there is a large welcoming expatriate community to integrate with.
The process for moving to Spain can appear complex and challenging. However, it is often simply a case of familiarising yourself with the requirements and ensuring that a set of basic steps are planned in advance and followed in a general order.
The Process & Recommended Procedures
First, learn about Spain and do thorough research. Once you’ve selected a preferred location to live, you’ll need to get a Spanish NIE number. That allows you to apply for Spanish residency. After establishing a tax residence, you can make the necessary arrangements to obtain a Spanish visa. The last step with all the proper documents secured is to organise the movement of personal and household possessions from the UK to your new home. There are more detailed requirements in the process, for example the need to obtain an NIE number - also known as the Foreigner’s Identification Number, this is essential documentation for employment, education, property transactions, taxation, and banking operations.
Another crucial document is a TIE card, necessary for identification and evidence of permission to stay in Spain – a legal alternative to a passport. But most vital is the securing of a resident’s visa. To acquire the all-important visa, non-employed and retired UK citizens planning to move to Spain have to be able to demonstrate adequate financial resources to sustain themselves and any dependents. The Visa and Residency application process can take up to anywhere between six and eight months with the need for professional legal assistance.
The first move to make once you’ve decided on the move is to arrange an appointment at your nearest foreigner’s office upon your arrival in Spain to obtain your NIE number. Only then can you follow the instructions from the Spanish government to apply for the TIE card. Once relocated in Spain, you are required to be registered on the country’s social security system, ‘Seguridad Social’, to gain access to Spain’s public healthcare system.
In Summary
Of course, this outlines the process in short with many more details to look into with the aid of professional advisers, both in the UK and in Spain. But to sum up, moving to Spain from the UK is a multi-levelled process that needs planning and preparation to ensure it’s successful. In a Post-Brexit Europe, anyone thinking about moving from Great Britain to Spain should expect plenty of hoops to jump through. These include navigating the visa procedure, attaining the necessary identification documents, exploring the healthcare and social security system of Spain, securing employment or even setting up a business, possibly exploring the Spanish education system if children are involved, finding and eventually buying somewhere to live, not to mention adapting to a brand new culture and lifestyle, getting to grips with Spain’s financial considerations and its taxation system, and finally, applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Recent developments haven’t taken the shine off what may be your dream move – armed with the correct information and the knowledge of the best way to use it, a fantastic new life in Spain is still well within reach.
